Full service network
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A network for the distribution of information, including video information, to subscribers comprising:
- at least two sources of video information;
a distribution component providing the information to a plurality of subscribers;
source interfaces for connecting the sources of video information to said distribution component;
a subscriber interface connecting subscribers to said distribution component;
a first gateway responsive to a selection by one subscriber for authorizing establishment of a connection through the distribution component between a selected source of video information and the one subscriber; and
a signalling network selectively connecting the one subscriber to said first gateway;
wherein each source of video information is analog and each source interfaces includes a real time digital encoder and a multiplexer that multiplexes the output of said real time digital encoder into a standardized transport stream.
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Abstract
A digital switching network is described which accommodates a full range of broadband and narrowband digital technologies, including video, wideband data, narrowband data, video on demand and telephone channels in an integrated manner. Optical fiber connects information sources to the switching component of the network utilizing a standardized transport stream such as SONET OC-N. A broadband ATM switch, a digital cross-connect switch or other distribution mechanisms may be utilized to interconnect information sources and subscribers. A level 1 gateway is utilized to control access to all information resources on the network.
206 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A network for the distribution of information, including video information, to subscribers comprising:
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at least two sources of video information; a distribution component providing the information to a plurality of subscribers; source interfaces for connecting the sources of video information to said distribution component; a subscriber interface connecting subscribers to said distribution component; a first gateway responsive to a selection by one subscriber for authorizing establishment of a connection through the distribution component between a selected source of video information and the one subscriber; and a signalling network selectively connecting the one subscriber to said first gateway; wherein each source of video information is analog and each source interfaces includes a real time digital encoder and a multiplexer that multiplexes the output of said real time digital encoder into a standardized transport stream. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A network for the distribution of information, including video information, to subscribers comprising:
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one or more sources of video information; one or more distribution components providing the information to a plurality of subscribers; a source interface for connecting one or more sources of video information to said distribution component; a subscriber interface connecting subscribers to said distribution means; a first gateway authorizing establishment of a connection between a source of video information and a subscriber; and a signalling network selectively connecting a subscriber to said first gateway; in which the source interface includes an ATM video switch; in which a PVC controller is connected via a level one gateway to a signalling network capable of transmitting signalling to the PVC controller; and in which the signalling network includes paths through the distribution means.
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23. A network for the distribution of information, including video information, to subscribers comprising:
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one or more information servers; an ATM video switch; one or more optical network units; one or more distribution switches selectively connecting information received from said one or more information servers over said ATM video switch to said optical network units; one or more groups of one or more digital entertainment terminals serviced by respective optical network units; a level 1 gateway, with a port on said ATM switch; and a signalling network connecting digital entertainment terminals to the level 1 gateway via respective optical network units and the signalling network;
in which said distribution switch is an ATM switchwhereby a digital entertainment terminal connects to the level 1 gateway to obtain services of the information servers.
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24. A network for the distribution of information, including video information, to subscribers comprising;
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one or more information servers; an ATM video switch; one or more access peripherals; one or more distribution switches selectively connecting information received from said one or more information servers over said ATM video switch to said one or more intelligent access peripherals; a plurality of digital entertainment terminals; one or more groups of one or more digital entertainment terminals serviced by respective intelligent access peripherals; a level 1 gateway with a port on said ATM video switch and on said distribution switch; whereby a digital entertainment terminal connects to the level 1 gateway via said distribution switch to obtain the services of the information servers. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26)
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Specification